Thursday, April 10, 2008

April 2nd 2008 marked the first year anniversary of the 8.1 Richter scale earthquake that struck the most northern parts of the country.The earthquake and the resultant tsunami inflicted significant damage and loss of life, including in excess of 50 people killed and an estimated more than 9,000 people displaced.

Immediately after the tsunami and through last August Solomon Islands Red Cross together with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been working closely with affected communities in order to provide assistance in non-food items distribution, shelter and water in the Western and Choiseul Provinces.

Initial emergency relief activities included the distribution of 37,300 non-food items (kitchen sets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits) to a total of 1,857 families. Under shelter programme, distribution of 5, 089 tools and 2,985 kilos of nails to reach a total of 1,287 affected families in 213 communities in Kolombangara and Vella la Vella Islands. In addition, 3,630 tools and 2,520 kilos of nails were distributed to 1,214 affected families in 114 communities on islands of Parara, Kohigo, Rendova and Roviana Lagoon.

In coordination with other agencies covering different areas, the current Solomon Islands Red Cross assistance has been focussed on the rehabilitation of water systems and rain-catchments construction in 20 communities (6,264 people) on Vella La Vella and Kolombangara Islands. Red Cross has been providing materials and technical expertise togehter with Rural Water Supply. Teams have been focussed on repair and rehabilitation of dams, weirs, pipelines, storage tanks and community tapstands.

At present, more than 40 Solomon Islands Red Cross volunteers of Gizo Branch have been working along side communities members for more than 9 months.

A joint Press release from Solomon Islands Red Cross Gizo Branch and IFRC Water delegation in Gizo who are doing the water & sanitation now.

Brief Background of Solomon Islands Red Cross:Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, by the act of the National Parliament (a separate act from the Non Governmental Organizations Act) in 1983 established as an auxiliary (extra supporter) of the state dedicated to protecting human life and dignity in the Solomon Islands, thereby promoting lasting peace.

Hundreds of people in the Red Cross help those hurt by armed conflict, social disturbances, natural disasters, and other human tragedies. Victims around the country and region come to trust the people of the Red Cross to be there to provide important humanitarian services.

The people of the organization help anyone in urgent need. No regard is paid to political, racial, religious, or ideological differences. No point of view or person is favoured over another. Neither influence nor pressure will change these facts.

But the Solomon Islands Red Cross is more than a philosophy, or a historical institution. It is the part of a worldwide belief that human life and dignity are worthy of respect and protection from ravages of man and nature. It is a belief made real every day by the actions of skilled and trained people who are moved by a deep personal desire to help others without regard for their own material gain.

Red Cross members help people to prepare for, recover from, and, if possible, prevent the effects of tropical cyclones, floods, fires, sea level rise, diseases, or other disasters that threaten individuals or communities.They help people prevent and handle emergencies through Commercial and Community Based First Aid trainings and health skills. Where needed and possible, they save hundreds of lives by promoting reliable supply of blood. They also share the resources necessary to improve service to people throughout the Solomon Islands, regionally, and internationally. They give new direction in the lives of the disable children through special education to read and write in sign language. Today, disable children are our aspirations who contribute in making Solomon Islands a better place for humanity.

The financial support of individuals, business houses, donor friends, and governments makes this work possible.